Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood is about to get a taste of old-meets-new Japan. This October, performers from Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district will bring a kaleidoscope of dance, music, comedy, and sword artistry to the heart of Los Angeles.
The event, titled KIMONO CON Vol.1 – Spirit of Asakusa in LA, takes place on Monday, October 13 at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. It’s the first West Coast appearance of the cultural series presented by the non-profit KIMONO CON, and it promises to be a feast for both the eyes and the imagination.
At the center of the lineup is Oshale Japan, a troupe that revels in contrasts. Expect wild costumes and mask illusions, elegant oiran (courtesan) dance set against punk rock, and swordplay choreographed to classical music.
Performers Akito Misaki, Kohgen Hitomi, Suzumaru Tachibana, SADA, Marina, Seiko Kitagawa, and Adam Erdossy will share the stage in a show that blurs the boundaries between the traditional and the avant-garde.
Balancing this spectacle with laughter is Katsura Sunshine, a Canadian-born artist who has become the first non-Japanese professional rakugo storyteller. With nothing more than a fan, a towel, and his gift for timing, Sunshine delivers 400-year-old comic tales to modern audiences. His English-language performances have earned him international acclaim for bridging Japanese humor with global sensibilities.
Audiences will have two chances to catch the show: an afternoon performance at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 6 p.m., with tickets ranging from $60 for general admission to $80 for VIP seating.
For KIMONO CON, the showcase is more than just entertainment. The organization’s mission is to create moments where Japanese culture can be experienced directly, not just observed. Through festivals, workshops, and performances like this, KIMONO CON hopes to spark cross-cultural connections—and perhaps inspire a little wonder along the way.
Tickets are available now through Eventbrite: Links to 2PM Tickets and 6PM Tickets
